Interfering with a 911 Call
For the prosecutor, domestic violence cases are complex because of the “he said, she said” nature of the allegations. In many of these cases, no one else witnessed the fight. The 911 call is recorded and often provides powerful evidence to substantiate the alleged victim’s allegations.
So when it is alleged that the 911 call was disconnected or that the defense prevented the alleged victim from calling for emergency help, prosecutors take these allegations very seriously.
Many domestic violence battery charges in Tampa, FL, or Hillsborough County, also involve charges for interfering with a 911 call. The charge is considered a form of tampering with a witness under Florida Statute 914.22(e).
Other criminal charges involving 911 calls include the misuse of the 911 system under Fla. Stat. §365.172(14).
Attorney for Interfering with a 911 Call in Tampa, FL
If you are charged with depriving the victim of the ability to call 911 by either taking a phone or disconnecting the phone call, then contact an experienced domestic violence lawyer in Tampa, FL, to discuss the case.
The domestic violence attorneys in Tampa, FL, at the Sammis Law Firm, have fought hundreds of domestic violence cases in and around Hillsborough County. We know what you need to do right now to protect yourself against a false allegation. We fight these cases aggressively with the goal of fighting for an outright dismissal so that the record can be expunged.
Contact us to discuss your case.
Call (813) 250-0500.
Other Types of Witness Tampering Crimes in Florida
Section 914.22(1) lists four different acts that an accused might take against a victim, witness, or informant that could constitute witness tampering:
- the use or attempted use of intimidation or physical force;
- a threat or attempted threat;
- misleading conduct; or
- an offer of pecuniary benefit or gain.
Punishment for Interfering with a 911 Call
The penalties for the charge depend on the underlying offense. For example:
- If the alleged victim was calling to report a misdemeanor battery, the crime will be charged as a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
- If the alleged witness called to report a felony battery, the crime would be charged as a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Additional Resources
Tampering or Harassing a Victim or Witness – Visit the Florida Senate website to find the statutory language for witness tampering crimes prosecuted under Florida Statute Section 914.22, including the penalties for these serious criminal offenses.
Attorney for Witness Tampering Crimes in Hillsborough County, FL
If your domestic violence case involves an allegation that you interfered with the alleged victim or a witness making a 911 case for emergency services, then you should call an experienced domestic violence attorney. The lawyers at the Sammis Law Firm are experienced in fighting domestic violence cases at every stage of the case.
Call today for a free consultation at (813) 250-0500.
This article was last updated on Monday, August 26, 2024.
